During the colonial period, a hybrid style known as Company Painting emerged, combining Indian traditions with European techniques. British officials employed Indian painters trained in Mughal and Rajput styles, who adapted their art to European tastes.
These paintings are characterised by the use of watercolours, linear perspective, shading and realism. The style originated in centres such as Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Patna, Varanasi and Thanjavur. Prominent patrons included Lord Impey and Marquess Wellesley. Famous painters were Sewak Ram, Ishwari Prasad and Ghulam Ali Khan. The genre remained prevalent till the 20th century.